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T. C. HARGR'AVE.

ELECTRIC MATRIX MAKING MACHINE.

No. 447,321. Patented Mar. 3,1891.

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T.- G. HARGRAVE.

ELEGTRIG MATRIX MAKING MACHINE. No. 447,321. PatentedMar. 3,1891.

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T.'G. H A'RGRAVE. ELECTRIC MATRIX MAKING MACHINE. No. 447,321. I Patented Mar, 3, 1891.

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T. O. HARGRAVE. ELEGTRIG MATRIX MAKING MACHINE.

No. 447,321. Patented Mar. 3, 1891.

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NITED STATES PATENT Enron.

THOMAS C. IIARGRAVE, OF MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- I-IALF TO JOHN W. COBB, OF SAME PLACE.

ELECTRIC MATRIX-MAKING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent NO; 447,321, dated March 3, 1891. Application filed December 26, 1889. Serial No. 335,067. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, THOMAS C. HARGRAVE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Minneapolis, in the county of Hennepin and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electric Matrix-Making Machines; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others [0 skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to that class of matrix-making machines whose object is to indent a sheet, strip, orplate of plastic materialsuch as papier-mach, pasteboard, soft metal,

wood, and the like-by suitable dies representing typographical characters and located on a die-wheel for the purpose of producing a matrix from which a stereotype is to be cast.

The object of this invention is mainly to simplify the construction of these machines and reduce the number of their parts and at the same time retain all the advantages arising from more complicated structures.

2 5 To this end my invention relates, essentially, first, to a variable s acing device consisting, essentially, ina paw harrying shaft provided with an arm which is depressed more or less,

' according as the operating key or leveris more or less depressed, combined with a sleeve carrying a segmental flange and a forked projection for embracing the key-lever, which depresses the-sleeve and is mounted on a hub encircled by said sleeve.

It relates, secondly, to adjusting the degree of said variable spacing to suit the Various interchangeable type-Wheels that may be employed. This is accomplished by providing the arm referred to above with an adjustable 4o knife-edge in combination with a flange on a movable sleeve actuated'by the operating key or lever.

The invention relates, thirdly, to an electrical mechanism forindenting or impressing the matrix sheet or blank, consisting, essentially,

in a single strip of metal in connection with the indicator or character-board in the range of a pin or contact-point on a key-lever serving to select the character to be impressed or indented, said strip of metal being in the circuit of an electro-magnet, which on being energized draws down an armature connected with an indenting-plunger. This single strip greatly simplifies the electrical parts of the structure, which, as far as I am informed, always necessitated the arrangement of as many contact parts as there are characters, which rendered this mechanism costly, complicated, and liable to get out of order.

The invention relates, fourthly, to a key-le- 6o ver whose forward end or handle has, besides the swinging motion for selecting the proper character, two distinct downward motions,the first being for the purpose of spacing and the second for the purpose of closing the circuit for indenting the matrix. The first of these motions is completed entirely before the other takes place-that is, before the yielding handle carrying the contact-pin is moved downward to close the circuit.

The invention relates, fifthly, to many details of construction more specifically pointed out in the claims and whose object is mainly to simplify the machine, reducing the number of its parts to a minimum consistent with the accuracy, dispatch,.and finish attained with the more complicated structures now employed.

To explain my invention more fully, I will now give a detailed description with refer 8o ence to the drawings.

In the drawings, which show one form of machine embodying my invention, Figure 1 isa plan of the same with the matrix-carriage, key-lever, and accessory parts removed to expose the mechanism below; Fig. 2, a partial section on line 2 2, Fig. 1; Fig. 3, a top plan of the key-lever and the sectional gear carried thereby; Fig. 4, a plan of the stripper or lifting-plate viewed from below; Fig. 5, a 0 rear elevation of the machine, partly in section; Fig. 6, a vertical section on line 6 6, Fig. 2; Fig. 7, a top plan 'ofthe rear end of the machine, including the carriage; Fig. 8,

a partial vertical section illustrating the ad- 5 justable arm for the spacing device; Fig. 9, an end view of the matrix-carriage; Fig. 10,

a View of the notched spacing-flange developed into a plane.

The machine embodying my invention con- I00 sists, broadly, of a type-selecting device, an impression device, and a spacing device. I will now consider these in the order named.

The type-selecting dc'uice.-A removable shaft A is mounted preferably in hearings in the uprights A A, secured to the table A of the machine. The removability of this shaft may be secured by any known means. In the present instance it is clfected by provid ing the caps a and screws ct. On this shaft A is keyed the sleeve 13, which may thus slide or be shifted along and at the same time r0- tatcd with the shaft. Firmly attached to or integral with the sleeve B is a type or die wheel B, carrying a number of type or die rings Z) b 11 If, each of which may, by mechanism subsequently to be described, be brought into printing position, as desired.

In order to bring any character on any one of the die-rings into position, to be impressed or into indenting position, the wheel must be turned and shifted along the shaft A. The turning is performed by the following mechanism: Rigidly mounted on shaft A is a beveled pinion A meshing with a sector-gear C, mounted on a hub C. This hub C is arranged to swing on a stud or arbor C firmly attached to the table A At the top of this hub are provided the ears (3 C to which is pivoted so as to be capable of vertical oscillation the key-lcver D, steadied by means of the guides C" C" on the hub C. This key-lever D extends forward beyond and is normally urged up against the under side of the indicator or character-board E by a spring (Z. This index-board, as shown in 2, is mounted on a table A and is preferably conical or downwardly flaring in shape for the convenience of the operator. It carries on its face a num ber of rows of characters 6 e 6 e corresponding in number to the die-rings I) Z1 Z2 [2 preferably arranged, as shown, in arcs of concentric circles whose center is on the axis of arbor C It is also preferred to arrange the characters on the several arcs in radial tiers on radii running from said axis. In the present instance it will be observed that the first row of characters e e, for the sake of economy of space and cost, corresponds to two of the die-rings b bviz., those for the caps and small letters However, the particular arrangement of these characters may be greatly changed without departing from the nature of my invention.

For the purpose of obtaining great accuracy in selection, radial lines or marks 6 are rovided on the indicator running substantially through the centers of the tiers of characters and down to the edge of the indicator, and the key-lever may be provided with a knife-edge d for registering with said marks; or an independent pointer (not shown) actuated by the key-lever may be caused to travel along the edge of the indicator for this same purpose.

The die-wheel 15 is shifted, as stated above, by the following mechanism: On the forward end of sleeve B are fixed two collars B B confining between them a loose collar B this collar being provided at substantially diametrically-opposite points with the countersinks 1%, preferably conical in shape. These con 11 tersinks are engaged by, preferably, conical center-points f, screwed into or otherwise secured to the ends of the prongs F of the forked rod F. These prongs F are preferably elastic, so that the center-points f may be readily sprung into the countersinks b and as readily withdrawn therefrom when, e.g., it is desired to remove the die-wheel. The rod F extends forward and is attached to the arm F of lever F extending under table A. Said lever is pivoted at f to the table A, and its other arm F lies above this table and is yielding or elastic vertically, carrying a pin F firmly riveted or otherwise attached to it. A number of countersinks or notches (in the present instance four) fff f, corresponding in number to the die-rings b h b 73 are arranged on the table A adapted to be engaged by the pin F". This completes the description of the selecting device. To select any one character in any one row, the lever F is first moved and the pin F caused to engage one or the other of the countersinks, thereby causing the corresponding die-ring to be brought into indenting position through the agency of the lever I and the arm F engaging with its center pins f the loose collar B on the shifting type-wheel B. The operator now knows that the ring corresponding to one of the concentric rows of characters is in operative position, and he completes the selecting operation by moving the key-lever opposite the radial tier containing the particular character desired, this operation, through the intermediary of the sectoral gear 0' and beveled pinion A on shaft A, causing the diewheel to be turned until the desired part of the periphery of the die-ring carrying the character-die corresponding to that on the indicator opposite the key-lever is brought into operative position. For example, if it is desired to indentthe character S, the lever F is bent upward sufficiently to clear the pin F' from the perforation which itengages, and said arm is then swung around until the pin F engages the socket or countersink f. This brings the die-ring b, carrying the small or lower-case letters, into indenting position. By now carrying the key-lever D around until its knife-edge or the pointer which it may actuate registers with the radial line or mark running through the letter S on the character-board that point of the periphery of the die-ring I) carrying the character S will be broughtinto indenting position. In the same way any other desired character on any of the die-rings will be brought into the indenting position.

The impression devica-This consists, mainly, of a plunger G, guided in the socketpiece G, and means for closing an electric circuit and for thereby depressing said plunger. These means are essentially as follows: A contacting device consisting, preferably, of the circular strip H, of copper or other conductor, is arranged on the table A somewhat in frontof and parallel to the indicator or character-board E, and also in advance of a stop in the shape of a notched strip or plate L, governing the spacing or justification, to be The particular posidescribed hereinafter. tion of this strip H is, however, not important. It might, without departing from the nature of this invention,be placed in the rear of the indicator or in any convenient position. A wire runs from strip 11 to the binding-screw h, thence to an electro-magnet H, and thence to the binding screw it. screw it is mounted a conducting spring 7?, bearing up against the key-lever D, which is made of conducting materiahand is provided at its free end or boss (1' with an insulated or non-conducting knob or button (Z provided with a stud d forced upward by a spiral spring 61 The plunger G is connected at g to a lever of the second order G pivoted at g to the cross-piece a of the frame of the machine. This lover G is urged upward by a spring g and carries at its end a depending rod G provided with an armature G facing the electro-magnet H. ment of the rod G and hence of the plunger G and lever, G is limited by a stop g on the depending arm Giengaging with a pin or stop g on the cross-piece a It will be noted that I show the contact-strip H to consist of a simple flat strip without any elevations, set screws, or the like to adapt it to the different degrees of depression of the key-lever D, covering the spacing for the various characters. I am enabled to dispense with all such elevations by reason of the yielding button d having the contact-stud (1 I am hence enabled to greatly simplify and cheapen this part of my apparatus. It willal so be noted that the contactstrip H is located opposite the contact-stud 61 so as to be struck by the same on its descent. This completes the description of the impression device proper, whose operation is as follows: WVhen the key-lever D has been brought opposite the proper character and its knife-edge or the pointer registers with the radial line on the indicator corresponding to that character, the key-lever is depressed until its lower edge rests on the bottom of the notch in the notched spacing-strip L,to be described farther on. Then the knob d is depressed still further until the stud d strikes the conductorplate H, when the circuit will be closed, armature G drawn down to magnet H, and the plunger G is depressed,

forcing the matrix material M against the desired die on the die-wheel. B.

In order to separateor strip the matrix material, which mightotherwise adhere to the die-wheel, a stripping-plate or lifter I (shown detached in Fig. 4) is provided. This stripping-plate is notched and mortised, as shown, to clear the die-wheel B and leave an opening ter On the binding- The upward movefor the plunger G to act through. It is journaled at its rear to the side pieces a a of frame A and extends forwardly over a regulating-screw g in the armature. It will readily be seen that at every rise of the armaturethat is, after the impression of every charac-' this set cover will carry the stripper-plate upward, and thus release the matrix from the die-wheel. By turning the regulating-screw more or less in either direction the extent of the upward movement of the stripper-plate may be regulated with nicety. Above the stripper-plate I is a loose metal plate I, cut out to permit the passage of plunger G and serving to keep the sheet of matrix material smooth and prevent any tendency of buckling.

The spacing deoicc.-Tl1is consists, broadly, of the letter-spacing device, the line-spacing device, and the letter-space-regulatin g device.

The letter-spacing (Zevice.A guide-strip a provided with a dovetail guide a is mounted on the frame A and carries the matrix-carriage, (shown detached in Fig. 9,) whose depending apronj embraces the dovetail guide a as shown. This carriage, as shown, is adapted to move step by step between the side pieces a a and is provided on a rear strip j, or at any convenient point, with fine serrationsj This serrated edge is engaged by a vibrating pawl K. which feeds the carriage along step by step and forms part of the mechanism presently to be described. The carriage J is provided with a pointer j flprojegting through a slot 3' on the strip a, of the frame, which is provided with a scale J By this means the progress of the work and the completion of a line may be noted. The hub O is encircled by a sleeve K, having an upwardly-extending slotted or forked projection k, embracingthe' key-lever D, normally held upward by spring 7cand limited in its upward motion by stop k Near its lower end it is provided with the segmental flange This segmental flange is placed over an arm K and carries an ad justablecontact-piece, preferably in the shape of a sliding block having a knife-edge, to be referred to farther on, fixed to the vibrating shaft K journaled in the blocks a (6 soon red to the table A 01. the machine. This arm K is held up against the flange k by a spring k on shaft K At the other end of this shaft is fixed the arm K carrying the weighted pawl K. It will be readily seen that at every depression of the lever sufficient to force down the sleeve K the flange 70 is caused toimpinge against and de press the arm K, vibrate the shaft K and with it the arm K carrying the pawl K The matrix-carriage J is thus fed forward. It will also be readily seen that the extent of this feed, which should be different for different characters for proper justification, is governed by the extent of the downward depression of the key-lever D, and the latter is governed in turn by mechanism now to be described. As before stated, a notched plate L is situated preferablyv in front of IIO purpose of interchangeability when different extents of spacing are required-for example, when the parts are changed-i. a, when the type-wheel is exchanged for another. These sections are preferably in the form of arc-shaped flanged plates concentric with the axis of stud or spindle C. Section L is firmly secured to the table A, and is provided with notches Z of equal depth, one corresponding to and in line with each radial tier of characters on the indicator E. The other section U is secured to table A by pin-and-slot connections Z Z and capable of sliding along on the former.

Turning now to Fig. 10, which shows the two vplates developed in a plane, it will be noted that the plate L as stated, is indented with a number of step-shaped notches Z Z Z Z Z' Z, one for each notch Z on the section L andcorrespond in gtothe radial tiers and in arks e on the character-board E. Each of these step-shaped notches comprises the four steps 1 2 3 a corresponding to the die-rings b b b b and governing the spacing respectively for the characters on these wheels when brought into indenting position. Thus when the wheel b is brought into operative position, which occurs when the lever F has been carried around sufficiently to cause the pin F to drop into the countersink f the steps 3 on all the notches 1 Z Z 650., will be opposite the notches Z of the section L and will govern the spacing for the characters indicated on the row e of the character-board E, and so on. As shown in Fig. 10, the highest steps 4, governing the spacing for the characters on ring b to wit, the punctuation-marks-are in operative position. The flanged section L derives its motion from the lever F being connected thereto by link F connecting a toe on the fulcrumpoint of said lever with the pin f", depending from said section down through a slot in the table A. the said section to slide synchronously with the die-wheel.

The Zine-spacing devica-This consists of the following instrumentalities: The matrixcarriage J above referred to has journaled in proper bearings the feeding-rollers J J the former of which is fixed, while the latter, the upper feed-roller, has its journals arranged so as to slide in the vertical slots j" against the stress of the spring j bearing on blocks j, also sliding in the slots j. The degree of pressure of the spring 3' may be regulated by the set-screw j Between these rollers J J the matrix material is yieldingly held, and it is fed forward at the completion of each line to the extent of the width of one line and to put a fresh surface into operative position by the following mechanism: The journal of the roller J extends out beyond the bearing at one side of carriage J and has a ratchet-wheel J 3 attached to it and engaged by a pawl J on This causes i pawl-lever J pivoted to the frame of the carriage at j and yieldingly held against movement by spring 3'. The usual check-pawlj is provided to prevent any slip of the ratchet. The carriage by the pawl K is caused to travel step by step in the direction of the arrow before each impression. WVhen it reaches the end of this movement, it is carried back to its first position and the radial pawl-lever J encounters the wiper J mounted on a standard rising from one of the said side pieces a or in any other suitable way. This wiper forces the tail of the pawl in the direction of the arrow 2 in Fig. 9 and the pawl and ratchet in the direction of the arrow 1 in the same figure, and thus the matrix material is fed forward for one line.

The Zetter-space-regulating device.'lhis will best be understood by referring to Figs. 1, 2, and 8, where N designates the adjustable contact-piece in the shape of a sliding block, having a knife-edge it caused to bear against the flange 75*, resting against the side of the arm K and interiorly screw-threaded to receive the screw N, having a turning bead it and journaled in the lugs 17. n on arms K. It will be seen that under this arrangement if the screw N is turned in one or the opposite direction the knife-edged block N is carried to or from the vibrating shaft Kiwhereby the feed for all the characters is increased or diminished by a uniform percentage, as will be readily understood. This space-regulating device is employed to accurately adjust and vary the spacing for the same die-wheel, but is of particular value when a different die-wheel is introduced into the machine.

The spaces between words may be produced in various Ways. One way is to carry the lever down into any one of the notches on the flanged plate L, but arresting the operation theret'. e.,not pressing the button (I to cause the pin d to contact with the copper strip II. It will be readily seen that inasmuch as the circuit is not closed only the spacing device will be actuated by this movement, but no impression will be made; or the key-lever D may be swung around entirely to clear the characters on the character-board and depressed opposite the notch or rabbet Z D at the extreme left of the flanged strip L. It will be noted that thus the conducting-strip will also be cleared and the closing of the circuit prevented; or the lever F may be swung beyond the countersinks f f, &c., when the entire die-wheel will be out of operative position and the key-lever depressed.

The removabihzy and interchangeab My 0f the partshen it is desired to remove .the die-wheel to change it for another or any purpose whatsoever, the key-lever is swung around until the sectoral gear 0 has cleared the bevel-gear A when by removing the caps a, and disengaging the forked arm F from the collar B the wheel may be readily lifted out of its bearings. The flanged sector L is preferably also made removable to accommodate different parts of tvpe by attaching itto the.

table A by the screw-pins Z.

It will be understood that the machine involving my invention may be used for printing as well as for the production of matrices. It willbe obvious that whileIconsider what is above shown and described as the best form to carry my invention into effect, the various parts of the same are susceptible of many changes without departing from my lnvention.

That I desire to claim and secure by Letters Patentis 1. In a matrix-making machine, a rotary and shifting dieewheel, in combination witha forked rod for shifting the die-wheel and hav- 1ng elastic or spring prongs en gaging said cliewheel, all substantially as described.

2. In a matrix-making machine, a rotaryand shifting die-wheel having a loose collar, in combination with a forked rod for shifting the 'die'wheel, said forked rod beingprovided with elastic prongs having pins engaging the loose collar on the die-wheel, all substantially as described.

3. In a matrix-making machine, a rotary and shifting die-wheel removable from its bearings, in combination with a forked rod for shiftin g the same, said rod being provided with elastic prongs engaging said die-wheel, all substantially as described.

4. In a matrix-making or similar machine, a stop and a contact-plate, in combination with a character-board downwardly inclined, and a contacting key-lever bearingup against the lower edge of. the character-board and having a knife-edge for indicating the character to be selected,and means for yieldingly forcing the key-lever against the lower edge of the character-board, all substantially as described.

5. In a matrix-making or similar machine,

a stop and a contact-plate, in combination with a vertically and horizontally swinging key-lever provided-at the forward end with a yielding button carrying a contact-pin, all substantially as described.

6., In a matrix-making or similar machine, a notched spacing-plate and a contact-plate connected with the indenting mechanism, in combination with a vertically and horizontally swinging key-lever provided at its end witha yielding button carrying a contact-pin, all substantially as described, whereby the lever is first depressed into the spacing-notches to complete the spacing operation and the contact-pin is then brought into contact with the contact-plate to operate the plunger, all substantially as described.

7. In a matrix-making or printing machine, the combination, with a plunger and a vertically and horizontally swinging key-lever for selecting a character for printing or indenting, of an electrical plunger-depressing device comprising a single fiat contact-plate for all the characters opposite to and adapted to be struck by the key-lever, substantially as described.

8. In a matrix-making or printing machine, the combination of a plunger for indenting the matrix, an electro-magnet and armature and connecting devices, substantially as described, between the armature and the plunger, and an electric circuit comprising a vertically and horizontally swinging key-lever, and a single flat contact-plate in the circuit of sufficient extent adapted to be struck by the key-lever on its downward, movement at any point, substantially as described.

9. In a matrix-making or printing machine, a character-board and a vertically and horizontally swinging key-lever carrying a button for closing a circuit, in combination with a plunger and an electrical device, substantially as described, for depressing the plunger, and a single fiat conducting-strip in the circuit of the electrical plunger-depressing device and adapted to be struck by the keylever at any point opposite the characterboard, all substantially as described.

10. In a matrix-making machine, the combination of a circular character-board and a circular fiat conducting-strip arranged parallel to the same and extending substantially the entire length of the character-board,with a horizontally and vertically swinging lever,

the conducting-strip and the lever being included in an electrical circuit for actuating an indenting-plunger, all substantially as described.

11. In a matrix-making machine, the combination, with a character-die and a plunger, of a hinged stripper-plate located between the die and the plunger, and means for lifting the stripper-plate away from the die when the plunger is released, all substantially as described.

12. In a matrix-making machine, the combination of a character-die, an indentingplunger, a lever for actuating said plunger, a hinged stripper-plate between the die and the plunger, and a rest for the stripper-plate attached to the actuating-lever and serving to carry the stripper-plate away from the die when the plunger is released, all substantially as described.

13. In a matrix-making machine, the combination of the following parts: a characterdie, a plunger, an armature provided with a set-screw, and connections, substantially as described, between the plunger and the armature, an electro-magnet, and a stripper-plate between the die and plunger and resting on the set-screw on the armature, all substantially as described.

1a. In a matrix-making or printing machine, the combination of the matrix-carriage provided with serrations, and an oscillating rod carryinga pawlarm engaging the serrations 011 the matrix-carriage at one end and at the other an upwardly-urged arm, with a hub for carrying a key-lever, and a sliding sleeve en- IIO circling said hub and provided with a seg mental flange impinging against said arm, all substantially as described.

15. In a matrix-making and printing machine, the letter-spacing device having an arm bearin g upwardly, in combination with a pivoted hub provided Witha key-lever, and a sleeve encircling the hub and provided with a segmental flange near the bottom and a forked projection at its top for embracing the key-lever, allsubstantially as described.

16. In a spacing device for matrix and similar machines, the combination of a sliding sleeve provided with a flange and with a pivoted arm controlling the carriage-feed, and having a contact-piece for bearing against the flange, the said contact-piece being adjustable with relation to the pivot of the pivoted arm, all substantially as described.

17. In a spacing device for matrix and simi lar machines, the combination of a flanged piece adapted to be depressed by the keylever, with a pivoted arm controlling the carriage-feed, having a contact-piece bearing against the flanged piece, the said contactpiece being adjustable with respect to the pivoted arm, substantially as described.

18. In a spacing device for matrix and similar machines, the combination of a sliding sleeve provided with a segmental flange, with an arm controlling the carriage-feed and provided with an adjustable block for hearing against the segmental flange, all substantially as described.

19. In a spacing device of a matrix and similar machine, the combination of a sliding sleeve provided with a segmental flange, with an arm controlling the carriage-feed and provided with an adjustable block having a knife-edge, all substantially as described.

20. In a spacing device for matrix and similar machines, the combination of a sliding sleeve provided with a segmental flange, with a feed-controlling arm provided with lugs, an adjustable block, and an adjustingscrew journaled in said lugs and passing through the adjustable block, all substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

THOMAS C. HARGRAVE.

Witnesses:

JOHN XV. COBB, JEROME F. TUBES. 

